Awakening love of sailing at special camp

When it comes to mathematics, Mark Krutik, knows his stuff.

HALIBURTON–When it comes to mathematics, Mark Krutik, knows his stuff.

He can rhyme off multiplication tables in his sleep – the higher the numbers the better for this 12-year-old. There's just no stumping him. And there's just no stopping him when it comes to sailing. It's why he returned to Camp Awakening for a second time.

"I wanted to come back so I could explore more sailing," he said thoughtfully as he sat on the porch swing in front of Cabin 25.

Front and centre at Kilcoo Camp – it's where the Jonas Brothers movie Camp Rock was filmed – Awakening is a camp within a camp for boys with physical disabilities.

But the "dis" fades into the background just like the wheelchairs and other hardware parked on the porch. The boys prefer to sit on the old porch swing – camp central – to play games, talk and laugh along with the steady stream of Kilcoo kids, counsellors, staff and camp pets that drop by.

At camp, the kids from Awakening are just like all boys – loud and full of energy.

No wonder it's the only place Mark wants to be in the summer. And on the water, of course.

"It feels cool on the boat," he said. "It's fun when the sail tips over."

Even more fun is jumping off the side of the catamaran to cool off. He smiled broadly as he gave two thumbs up when he was safely back on board, thanks to the helping hands of his counsellors. His bravery was rewarded with hoots and hollers from his buddies. There's nothing better.

Feeling the wind on his face as he rides the waves on a wakeboard keeps Sebastian Velez Bolivar smiling. "I love it when the driver of the boat does circles really fast, it's my favourite thing," he said.

So is the food at camp, he said as he munched on treats after lunch. Being outdoors sure does build healthy appetites.

But the best thing about camp is Cabin 25 and the people who call it home. "My best friends are here," Sebastian said. "I love it so much."

If you have been touched by the Fresh Air Fund or have a story to tell, email lferenc@thestar.ca.

About the Fresh Air Fund

The Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund is a children’s charity that provides grants to camp organizations to subsidize fees for underprivileged and special needs children from the Toronto area each summer.

Help us reach our goal of $650,000 to continue supporting more than 100 different day and residential camps.